Heath Shuler

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, ABCCM, of Asheville, North Carolina, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of its Doctor's Medical Clinic. The ministry was founded in 1969 by eight local churches and is now a cooperative ministry of more than 260 churches that strive to serve the needy citizens of Buncombe County. In 1991, the ministry opened a clinic to deliver quality medical care, referral management, and medication for the citizens of Buncombe County who are uninsured, underinsured and ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare. A number of volunteer registered nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers and physicians donate countless hours of their time to see to the medical needs of their fellow citizens in an empathetic and welcoming manner. In addition to the Doctor's Medical Clinic, ABCCM also performs community outreach in other ways by providing counseling, food, clothing, furniture, rent and utility assistance, and transportation to the disadvantaged in the community. It provides educational opportunities and books and coordinates religious services for inmates at local jails. The ministry also operates two shelters, one to help homeless veterans reenter society and one to provide emergency shelter for homeless women. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry for the outstanding work they have done for more than 40 years in Western North Carolina. As they celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Doctor's Medical Clinic, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating their hard work and spirit of compassion that has had an enormous impact on the lives of many of the neediest in our community.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Corporal Michael Joseph Dutcher of Asheville, North Carolina for his valiant service in the United States Marine Corps. The sacrifices Corporal Michael Joseph Dutcher made will not be forgotten as he put his country above his own needs, serving to fight for freedom. Born on November 21, 1988, Cpl. Dutcher grew up in Asheville, North Carolina. At Asheville High School, Cpl. Dutcher was involved in band, wrestling, and ROTC. Immediately after graduation, Cpl. Dutcher enrolled in the Marine Corps on June 18, 2007. Cpl. Dutcher served in Bravo Company. He served 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, including a tour of duty in Afghanistan. His personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment with three Bronze Stars, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and NATO Medal ISAF-Afghanistan. Cpl. Dutcher was a Non-Commissioned Officer of Marines, regarded by his unit as a selfless leader who always put the well-being of his fellow Marines above his own. In Afghanistan, his unit served at the tip of the spear in the Sangin District of Helmand Province, the site of some of the fiercest fighting in all of Afghanistan. On September 15, 2011, he gave his life while leading his Marines from the front against enemy forces. Mr. Speaker, Cpl. Dutcher embodied the most essential qualities of a United States Marine. He was selfless, dedicated, and brave. He is remembered as a man who had a tremendous impact not only on his fellow Marines, but also on his family, friends, and community. Through his exemplary service in Afghanistan, Cpl. Michael Joseph Dutcher has brought pride to Western North Carolina. It is truly my honor to commemorate him and I urge my colleagues to join me today in honoring the life of Cpl. Michael Joseph Dutcher for the sacrifices he made for our country.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Lacy Thornburg for more than fifty-five years of public service to our country and Western North Carolina. Judge Lacy Thornburg was born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina in 1929. After graduating from Huntersville High School, he served in the U.S. Army, graduated from Mars Hill College and received his law degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Following his law school graduation in 1954, Judge Thornburg and his wife moved to Jackson County, North Carolina where he began a law practice with former Congressman David Hall. He became active in church, civic, and political affairs, holding offices in the Presbyterian Church, the Jaycees, the Lions, and the Young Democrats. During Judge Thornburg's thirteen years as a practicing trial lawyer, he was elected to three terms in the North Carolina General Assembly. He was appointed as a Superior Court Judge in 1966 and served on the bench for sixteen years. Through his hard work and respect for others, Judge Thornburg was elected Attorney General of North Carolina in November of 1984 and served two four-year terms. As Attorney General, he personally argued three cases before the United States Supreme Court: Riley v. National Federal of the Blind in 1988, N.C. Department of Transportation v. Crest St. Council in 1986, and Thornburg v. Gingles in 1986. In 1994, President Bill Clinton nominated Judge Thornburg as U.S. District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina and he was confirmed by the 104th Congress on January 11, 1995. He served with distinction on the federal bench until his retirement in 2009. It is an honor to represent selfless, hardworking public servants like Judge Lacy Thornburg. His devotion to public service is a great source of pride to me and to Western North Carolina. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Judge Lacy Thornburg for his lasting impact on Western North Carolina.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Claude Douthit for a life dedicated to helping others in Western North Carolina. Mr. Claude Douthit, a native of Swain County in Western North Carolina, has dedicated hard work and countless hours into the North Shore Settlement. When the federal government purchased 44,000 acres of North Carolina mountain land and built Fontana Dam on the Little Tennessee River to generate hydroelectric power for the war effort, Mr. Douthit, a Tennessee Valley Authority employee, initially favored the building of the road. The rising waters of Fontana Lake flooded several small communities, forcing more than 200 families out of their homes expecting the government to follow through on its wartime pledge to build a road they could use to reach abandoned home sites and family cemeteries. Instead, the government delayed, and thirty years later, only 6.2 miles of pavement and a short tunnel had been built at the eastern tip of Fontana Lake. Convinced that the road would never be finished, Mr. Douthit began working for an alternate solution, a cash settlement for Swain County. In 2000 Mr. Douthit and his wife Jean Douthit helped to organize a group called Citizens for the Economic Future of Swain County, gathering support from a broad coalition of conservationists, parks enthusiasts, environmentalists, public officials, and private organizations. Mr. Douthit was determined to get a settlement for the county and through his hard work and that of the Citizens for the Economic Future of Swain County, an agreement was finally reached in 2010, with the government agreeing to pay $52 million to the county. This settlement agreement will guarantee that Swain County has the resources it needs to thrive and grow for decades to come. It is an honor to represent selfless, hardworking citizens like Mr. Claude Douthit. His devotion to his community is a great source of pride to me and to Western North Carolina. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Mr. Claude Douthit for his lasting impact on Swain County.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Randy Burgess who recently retired from the Pisgah National Forest with 33 years of outstanding service to the U.S. Forest Service. Mr. Burgess began his work in forests during summers while in college at Eldorado and Stanislaus National Forests in California. After he graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor's degree in wildlife and forest management, he worked as a ranger at several national forests such as those in Sumter, South Carolina, and Rio Grande, Colorado. He began work at the Pisgah National Forest in 2003. During his 8 year tenure as head of the Pisgah District Operations, Mr. Burgess was instrumental in the upkeep and renovations in and around the forest. Mr. Burgess helped improve water quality through stream stabilization projects, supported various volunteer corporations, implemented upgrades at the Cradle of Forestry, provided public restrooms in the forest, and built a connector trail from the city of Brevard to the Pisgah National Forest. The 5.5-mile-long Estatoe Trail opened to the public on October 15, 2010, and has been a tremendous benefit to the citizens of that area. Mr. Burgess also served as a Forest Service Liaison to my office, lending his expertise in conservation to positively impact national policy. Mr. Burgess' leadership over the last few years has left a great mark on the Pisgah National Forest and provided positive influence on Congressional policy. Mr. Burgess has shown extraordinary dedication to our community and has had an indelible impact on the Pisgah National Forest. The service that Mr. Burgess has contributed to Western North Carolina and the U.S. Forest Service is truly inspiring and I am proud to represent him. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the exceptional career and service of Mr. Randy Burgess.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Leicester Carpet Sales on 40 years of successful business and commend them for recently committing to only selling products made by American workers. With that commitment, Leicester Carpet Sales became western North Carolina's first All-American flooring store. Leicester Carpet Sales was founded in 1971, by Mr. JB Snelson, a Vietnam veteran, and his wife. After starting the business in their home, Mr. Snelson and his wife moved the store twice to accommodate the demand for their expert craftsmanship and high-quality customer service. Mr. and Mrs. Snelson retired in 1995 and entrusted the store to their son Brad Snelson. After taking ownership over the company at the young age of 21, Brad Snelson kept his parents' tradition of excellent customer service. He moved the company to its current location in Asheville and opened another facility in Hendersonville. Leicester Carpet Sales has proven to be an important element in western North Carolina. By giving back to the community and helping to sponsor the Crossfire Christian Ministry, Mr. Brad Snelson continues to reflect Christian values in the family company. With his morals leading the way, the company recently announced its decision to exclusively sell American made products. Leicester Carpet Sales hopes this move will raise the morale for supporting American jobs, products, and the economy. Leicester Carpet Sales has shown extraordinary dedication to our community and has had an indelible impact in western North Carolina. I am proud to represent Leicester Carpet Sales and the Snelson family. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 40 years of this company and their remarkable commitment to their community and country.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ms. Margie Meares who dedicated her professional career to conserving our environment and improving energy efficiency. Few individuals have had as dramatic an impact on protecting our environment as Ms. Meares. After graduating from Duke University Ms. Meares took a job with the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources working to improve and protect the quality of our water. As a founding member of the Clean Air Community Trust, she worked tirelessly to improve the quality of our air. Her efforts helped lead to the passing of the state's Clean Smokestacks Act. Enacted in 2002, this Act requires North Carolina power companies to reduce their smog and haze-forming emissions by approximately three-fourths by 2012. Her service to our state was mirrored in her work on behalf of her local community, where she helped to found Evergreen Charter School and served on its Board of Directors. As an elected member of the Woodfin Water Board, she helped to protect the quality of local water resources. She was a founding member of the Community Energy Advisory Council in Asheville, where she worked to engage the community in shaping the programs and policies of its electric utilities. Ms. Meares focused on improving the energy efficiency of homes and buildings, both at home in North Carolina and across the country. She worked tirelessly to help develop North Carolina's new Energy Conservation Code, improving the minimum efficiency of buildings. She developed educational materials for building officials and spent three years conducting classes helping them to better understand and enforce the energy efficiency rules governing buildings. Nationally, Ms. Meares worked with building officials across the country to reduce the energy consumption of our buildings by at least 30 percent. She also developed one of the nation's first programs to educate realtors about the value of energy efficient and environmentally friendly real estate. The quality of our nation's air and water has been improved due to the robust efforts of Ms. Meares. Her work to conserve and protect our environment and resources will have a long lasting impact. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the exceptional life of Ms. Margie Meares, whose work and service will not soon be forgotten.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Gary Johnson who recently retired from the National Park Service with 36 years of outstanding service to our mountain community. After four years of service to our country in the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Johnson took a summer job in 1975 with the National Park Service with the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina. One year later, he graduated from the landscape architecture program at Virginia Tech with a BLA degree and was re-hired by the Parkway. In addition to working with the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mr. Johnson has worked on planning and construction projects in other parks such as Natchez Trace Parkway, Big Bend National Park and Guilford Courthouse. Mr. Johnson has also written and lectured on the subjects of scenery conservation, cultural landscape management, historical parkway preservation, goal-driven and strategic planning and tourism planning. Mr. Johnson brought unmatched passion and expertise during his many years as a skilled planner with the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mr. Johnson authored the Guidebook for the Blue Ridge Parkway Scenery Conservation System that outlined his plan to preserve the Parkway. He also developed the Blue Ridge Parkway's project management and computerized tracking system. The system proved to be so effective that it was adopted by the National Park Service. On March 17, 2011, Mr. Johnson was awarded one of the four Appleman-Judd-Lewis Awards for Excellence in Cultural Resource Management from the National Park Service Director. Mr. Johnson has shown extraordinary dedication to our community and has had an indelible impact on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The service that Mr. Johnson has contributed to Western North Carolina and the National Park System is truly inspiring and I am proud to represent him. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the exceptional career and service of Mr. Gary Johnson.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Captain Jeff Bowen for his distinguished service in the Asheville City Fire Department. A husband and father of three, Captain Bowen passed away July 29th, 2011, at the age of 37, while serving the people of Asheville, North Carolina. Captain Bowen first joined the Asheville Fire Department 13 years ago and dedicated himself fully to protecting the city until his life was claimed during a fire at a Biltmore Avenue medical office building. Firefighters serve as an integral part of our community. It is remarkable that men such as Captain Bowen commit themselves to a profession that engenders such risk and sacrifice. These stakes often fashion strong friendships and bonds that go beyond the walls of any fire department. Today, we all stand with the 240 firefighters in the Asheville Fire Department who lost a colleague, a friend, and a brother. We also pray for Captain Bowen's wife, Stacy, and his three children as they grieve for the loss of a remarkable husband and father. Captain Bowen was often described as a ``firefighter's firefighter,'' a selfless man who truly enjoyed coming to work every shift. He was respected by his fellow firefighters and appreciated by his officers. Through his commendable service, Captain Bowen has made Western North Carolina proud. It is my honor to commemorate him, and I urge my colleagues to join me today in honoring Captain Jeff Bowen for the sacrifice he has made for the city of Asheville, the citizens of North Carolina, and the people of the United States.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. I thank the gentleman from Tennessee. It is, indeed, an honor that you have asked one of my dear friends, Phil Hoskins, to be able to come and preside over the House this morning and lead us in prayer, a gentleman who baptized my wife, who administered the ceremony that married my brother and his wife. So, Phil has meant absolutely everything to me and my family, and I love him unconditionally. He has been a man of great character, someone I can lean on, and I am jealous that you have him in your district.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Karen Caruso, CEO of Mind Your Business, Inc. located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, for being named North Carolina's 2011 Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In 1995, Ms. Caruso was watching an Oprah Winfrey show on abusive child care providers and saw the need for parents to be able to screen the individuals who would potentially be caring for their children. Her background in security proved to be useful in developing applicant screening services. Mind Your Business, Inc. was launched in 1996 with two employees and $2,500 in the basement of Ms. Caruso's home. Despite facing a market dominated by men and large corporations, Ms. Caruso's business has continued to expand. She now employs 14 people and operates a 3,000-square-foot facility in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Mind Your Business, Inc. now offers several screening options, including pre-employment screening, applicant background checks, and drug and alcohol testing services for individuals, corporate, and government clients. Mind Your Business, Inc. is a prime example of the success that can be accomplished through a partnership between entrepreneurs and the SBA. Ms. Caruso has made use of several SBA programs, including training through SCORE, the North Carolina Small Business Technology and Development Center, and the SBA Women's Business Center. I congratulate Karen Caruso for having the vision and perseverance to create a business that, despite these economically difficult times, has shown record profits in 2009 and 2010. Ms. Caruso's business has provided security, given peace of mind to parents, and helped ensure the safety of our region's children. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the exceptional career of Ms. Karen Caruso, North Carolina's 2011 Small Business Person of the Year.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Industries for the Blind as it celebrates 75 years of providing employment, services, and training to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Industries for the Blind was founded in 1933. Since then, the organization has grown to be the largest advocacy agency for the visually impaired in the country, creating skilled job opportunities for one of America's greatest underused labor resources. Industries for the Blind gives people the confidence and independence to contribute to society and fulfill personal dreams of having a job. In so doing, they transform lives. In my Congressional District in Western North Carolina, Industries for the Blind of Asheville has served as an important resource for 20 years. They provide much needed assistance and services such as mobile low-vision eye exams, innovative outreach programs for children and families, and optical services to our veterans. I would especially like to congratulate Industries for the Blind of Asheville on its eighth consecutive win of a Sky High Growth Award from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce for outstanding growth in sales and employment. The Asheville facility has increased its work force ten-fold since 1991, growing from just 9 employees to 100. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise today to recognize the 75 years of civic leadership that Industries for the Blind has provided the visually impaired in Asheville, North Carolina and throughout the country. Their commitment to helping others live meaningful lives is courageous and uplifting. I am honored to celebrate Industries for the Blind's inspirational role in our community.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Aston Park Health Care Center of Asheville, North Carolina during this year's National Nursing Home Week. For over 30 years, Aston Park Health Care Center has treated residents and their families with respect, support, and friendship. They recognize that these values, along with high quality medical care, ensure the dignity of life for their residents. The Aston Park Health Care Center has earned a five star rating from the U.S. News & World Nursing Home Rankings for their holistic approach to Alzheimer's care, adult home care, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and short-term rehabilitation. That is how they do their part to carry out this year's National Nursing Home Week theme, ``Fulfilling the Promise.'' I would like to commend and thank all of the skilled and trained staff members at Aston Park Health Care Center who strive to ensure a proud life for Aston Park residents. Their warm, friendly, sincere, and comfortable atmosphere allows their residents to continue to live life to the fullest. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of their excellence in care, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the staff and residents of Aston Park Health Care Center.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Brain Center Health and Rehabilitation of Hendersonville, North Carolina, during this year's National Nursing Home Week. Brain Center Health and Rehabilitation provides extended care and skilled nursing services to seniors with short-term and long-term disabilities. The center houses a dedicated staff that provides 24-hour continuous care throughout the year to 120 patients. Through associate partners, they are able to offer reliable and high-quality medical assistance to residents in multiple states. In celebration of this year's National Nursing Home Week, the theme of which is ``fulfilling the promise,'' Brain Center Health and Rehabilitation Center will host events to recognize residents and staff that focus on maintaining the high level of care that helped it be named one of the only 5 Star centers in the region. I would like to applaud and thank the skilled and trained staff members of Brain Center Health and Rehabilitation. Their focus on individualized care respects the rights and dignity of their residents and their philosophy of caring and curing provides quality results. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of their excellence in care, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the staff and residents of Brain Center Health and Rehabilitation.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Chief Warrant Officer, Terry Varnadore II. A native of Mills River, North Carolina, Chief Warrant Officer Varnadore passed away at the age of twenty nine, on April 23, 2011, while serving our country in the Kapisa Province of Afghanistan. Chief Warrant Officer Varnadore grew up in Western North Carolina surrounded by family. He had a passion for fishing and hunting, and spent a great deal of his life in the Great Smoky Mountains with his father and younger brother. Chief Warrant Officer Varnadore married the love of his life, Casey Varnadore, after graduating from Appalachian State University. They have a 4 year old daughter together, Ava Elizabeth. Mrs. Varnadore is expecting their second daughter in July. Chief Warrant Officer Varnadore's lifelong dream was to become a helicopter pilot. Assigned to the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, he flew an OH-58 Delta Kiowa Warrior Helicopter. His awards and decorations include the Air Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Army Aviator Badge, and the Combat Action Badge. Mr. Speaker, Chief Warrant Officer Varnadore embodied the best qualities of an American soldier. He was selfless, dedicated, and brave. He was respected by his fellow soldiers and appreciated by the officers he served under. Through his commendable service, Chief Warrant Officer Varnadore has made Western North Carolina proud. It is my honor to commemorate him and I urge my colleagues to join me today in honoring Chief Warrant Officer Terry Varnadore II for the sacrifice he has made for the United States.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Mary Kellogg Bell for a life dedicated to helping others in North Carolina. Mary Bell was born on May 4, 1916. After graduating from the University of Georgia in 1937 with a degree in physical education, she worked as Head Counselor for Merrywood Camp for girls and in 1939, married her husband, Joseph Oscar Bell, Jr. In 1951, Mrs. Bell founded the Glen Arden Camp for girls, which has enriched the lives of children around the country by exposing them to the natural beauty of Western North Carolina. In 1955, Mrs. Bell went on to become the first woman to serve on the Henderson County School Board. Mrs. Bell continues to volunteer as the Chair of the Welcoming Committee at her retirement home and helps organize transportation for retirees to get to the dialysis clinic. It is an honor to represent selfless, hardworking citizens like Mrs. Mary Kellogg Bell. Her devotion is a great source of pride to me and to Western North Carolina. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Mrs. Mary Kellogg Bell for her lasting impact on society.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Specialist Fourth Class Dockie Brendle for his valiant service and sacrifice during the Vietnam War. In 1967, Mr. Brendle started his tour of duty as an Armored Track Commander with the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment in Swan Loc, South Vietnam. In 1968, Mr. Brendle was wounded four times. Due to his service and sacrifice Mr. Brendle received various medals and accolades, including a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with ``V'' Device for Valor, an Army Commendation Medal with ``V'' Device for Valor, four Purple Hearts, a Combat Infantry Badge, a President Unit Citation, a Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, a Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and a Vietnam Campaign Medal. Although he is now a 100 percent disabled veteran, Mr. Brendle is an active part of the Swain County community. He is a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Smoky Mountain Chapter 994 as well as a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars in Bryson City. He regularly attends events throughout the community. An avid football fan, he can be seen watching many Swain High School football games as a member of the ``Fence Walkers.'' I am grateful I have selfless, brave, and dedicated veterans like Mr. Brendle in our community. His service to our country is a great source of pride to me and to Western North Carolina. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Specialist Fourth Class Dockie Brendle for his service and sacrifice to our great nation.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. F. Warren Hughes for his 27 years of service to Yancey County. After graduating law school, Mr. Hughes began his professional career as an attorney before being appointed to fill the vacant position as Clerk of Superior Court for Yancey County in 1984. Through his 27 years of public service, he has successfully been elected each term and has only been challenged once. Mr. Hughes's office is highly regarded and is considered one of the top clerk's offices in the State of North Carolina. For his work with the N.C. Courts Commission, the N.C. Judicial Council, and as President of the N.C. Clerks Association, his reputation is known throughout the State. He is also distinguished as one the few clerks in the State who is also an attorney. His legacy in the Yancey County Community will not be forgotten. I am grateful to have dedicated and hard working people like Mr. Hughes as public servants in Western North Carolina. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the exceptional career of Mr. F. Warren Hughes, Clerk of Superior Court for Yancey County.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Smoky Mountain High School Mustangs 2010-2011 Men's Basketball Team. Through their hard work and dedication, the Mustangs had an undefeated regular season. They held the longest single season winning streak in North Carolina for all 4 classifications in the 2010-2011 season. They went on to finish as the WNCAC Regular Season and Tournament Champions. The Mustangs finished the year as the NCHSAA sectional runner-up with an impressive 26-1 record. These awards are especially notable considering North Carolina is considered a powerhouse for high school basketball. Five players were recognized for their individual accomplishments by being named All-Conference. They include Will Carpenter, Micah Carter, Tanner Cogdill, Mark Thompson, and Jackson Simmons. Jackson Simmons also went on to be named the Conference Player of the Year for his extraordinary play during the season. The team's recognition did not stop with just the players. Head coach Jimmy Cleaveland was named Conference Coach of the Year. As a former student athlete in Western North Carolina, I understand the commitment it takes to compete at such a high level. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the many accomplishments by the Smoky Mountain High School Mustangs 2010-2011 Men's Basketball Team.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable community leader, Jonas D. Buff. For ten years Mr. Buff served on the Board of Commissioners for McDowell County while also serving as its chairman in 1994. His dedication and commitment have brought growth and progress to McDowell County. Mr. Buffs work to strengthen his county has included securing the location and grants to oversee the purchase of the McDowell County Industrial Park which is now home to three industries that are currently providing jobs to residents and economic development to the area. Mr. Buff also sought to recruit the State Prison facility to the county which now employs close to 400 individuals. A strong proponent for the Nebo community owning its own water supply, Mr. Buff's advocacy helped bring about the ``Nebo Community Water System.'' Water lines and waste management are now extended to include a greater area, servicing more residents and laying a foundation for future growth. In addition to aiding in the county's infrastructure growth, Mr. Buff was a strong supporter of volunteer and emergency services. During his tenure, the county implemented E-911 and Emergency Medical Dispatch and two EMS Base Stations were constructed. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the dedication that Mr. Buff has demonstrated in creating positive change for his county. His legacy highlights the lasting impact each hardworking person can impart to their community.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the sesquicentennial of Transylvania County in Western North Carolina. Transylvania, a county of 29,000 residents, is home to picturesque beauty and is known as the ``Land of Waterfalls.'' In 1861, Representative Joseph P. Jordan introduced a bill to the North Carolina House of Commons to establish a new county. Transylvania County was then formed and held its first County Commission meeting on May 20th of that year. This day is notable in North Carolina's history as it represents the day the State seceded from the Union. The next day, Transylvania County possessed no money, courthouse, jail, or a bank, yet was busily mustering a company of volunteers to serve for the Confederacy. A century later, Transylvania County led the State of North Carolina in fully integrating its public school system. In 1963, Brevard High School became the first high school in the State to field integrated athletic teams. Over one-third of the County's area is comprised of national and state parks and forests. This includes Blue Ridge Parkway, DuPont State Forest, Gorges State Park, Caesar's Head, Holmes Educational State Forest, and Pisgah National Forest. From the spectacular views from Chestnut Knob to the humbling cascades at Pisgah National Forest's Looking Glass Falls and the other 249 waterfalls in the area, Transylvania County embodies all that is Appalachian. On February 15, 2011, Transylvania County will hold a very special public gathering celebrating the 150th anniversary of its formation by the North Carolina Assembly. This will launch a year-long series of events, activities and education. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Transylvania's sesquicentennial and its contributions to the United States and the great State of North Carolina.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the sesquicentennial of Clay County in North Carolina. Clay, the smallest county in North Carolina with an area of only 221 square miles, has developed a flourishing community and embodies all that is Appalachia. In 1860, George Hayes ran for a seat in the North Carolina House of Commons on a platform of creating a new county and county seat in the area of southern Cherokee County. In February of 1861, after his successful election, Representative Hayes introduced a bill to establish Clay County, was named in honor of Henry Clay, U.S. Secretary of State and Senator from Kentucky. Rep. Hayes later received recognition for helping form the new County when the County seat, Hayesville, was named in his honor. Now, Clay is a thriving community of 10,000 residents. Clay County's education system received national recognition through the prestigious Communities in Schools Organization Accreditation. This award shows the commitment the entire County has to educating the youth in the community and preparing them for successful and productive futures. Clay County is home to the beautiful Nantahala National Forest which is being developed as a forest, game, and trout preserve. The county also boasts one of the best trout streams in Western North Carolina at the Fires Creek Wilde Life Management. From the spectacular views of sapphire-blue waters in Chatuge Lake to the picturesque beauty of Nantahala National Forest, Clay County encompasses some of the best of Western North Carolina's natural treasures. On February 21, 2011, Clay County will hold a very special public gathering in celebration of the 150th anniversary of its formation by the North Carolina Assembly. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Clay's sesquicentennial and its contributions to the United States and the great state of North Carolina.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable community leader, Jonas D. Buff. For ten years Mr. Buff served on the Board of Commissioners for McDowell County while also serving as its Chairman in 1994. His dedication and commitment have brought growth and progress to McDowell County. Mr. Buff's work to strengthen his County has included securing the location and grants to oversee the purchase of the McDowell County Industrial Park which is now home to three industries that are currently providing jobs to residents and economic development to the area. Mr. Buff also sought to recruit the State Prison facility to the County which now employs close to 400 individuals. A strong proponent for the Nebo community owning its own water supply, Mr. Buffs advocacy helped bring about the ``Nebo Community Water System.'' Water lines and waste management are now extended to include a greater area, servicing more residents and laying a foundation for future growth. In addition to aiding in the County's infrastructure growth, Mr. Buff was a strong supporter of volunteer and emergency services. During his tenure, the county implemented E-911 and Emergency Medical Dispatch and two EMS Base Stations were constructed. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the dedication that Mr. Buff has demonstrated in creating positive change for his County. His legacy highlights the lasting impact each hardworking person can impart to their community.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit the following letters: January 25, 2011. Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC. Dear Leader Pelosi, This letter is to advise you that, effective today, I am taking a leave of absence from the Committee on Small Business until my tenure on the Committee on the Budget is completed. It is my understanding from Clause C of Rule 19 of the Democratic Caucus rules (referenced below) that I will continue to accrue seniority during the leave of absence, at the same rate as if I had continued to serve on the Committee on Small Business. Rule 19, Clause C: ``Any Member of the Committee on the Budget shall be entitled to take a leave of absence from service on any committee or subcommittee during the period he or she serves on the Budget Committee and seniority rights of such Member on such committee and on each subcommittee to which such Member was assigned at the time shall be fully protected as if such Member had continued to so serve during the period of the leave of absence.'' Accompanying this letter is a letter from the Democratic Leader verifying that my seniority on the Committee on Small Business will continue to accrue during my absence. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Heath Shuler, Member of Congress.

Mr. SHULER

Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, my vote on rollcall No. 607 on December 2, 2010 was not recorded. My intention was to vote ``aye'' on this measure.